National Farmer’s Day 2021: Things you need to know
Farmers are regarded as the backbone of India’s economy. So, every year, National Farmer’s Day, popularly called Kisan Diwas, is widely celebrated in India on 23rd December. The day marks the birth anniversary of independent India’s fifth Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh, who held office between 1979 and 1980. The day is also dedicated towards creating awareness about the importance of farmers in our country and to recognise their contribution in the growth and development of India as a nation.
Theme of National Farmer’s Day 2021
This year’s theme for National Farmer’s Day is based on the year-long struggle of the Indian farmers and their eventual victory after the withdrawal of three contentious farm reform laws by the Parliament last month.
History behind National Farmer’s Day
In the year 2001, the Government of India had announced 23rd December to be commemorated as the National Farmer’s Day on account of Chaudhary Charan Singh’s birthday. This effort was initiated to honour the contribution of this man towards the upliftment of Indian farmers followed by the large-scale development of the agriculture sector. In fact, Singh was responsible for bringing several important reforms in the farming sector and has often been fondly called as the ‘Champion of India’s Peasants.’
Significance of National Farmer’s Day
National Farmer’s Day is observed to honour the dedication, struggle and sacrifice of the Indian farmers. The day signifies the importance of listening to the farmers, fulfil their basic needs and demands and look after their socio-economic security. It also an endeavour to educate the farmers with modern agrarian techniques and encourage them to use these resources and facilities to increase the amount of crop production.
Chaudhary Charan Singh: Life and works
Chaudhary Charan Singh was born in Noorpur, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh on 23rd December 1902 in a middle-class peasant family. He had pursued his graduation and postgraduation from the Agra University and eventually practised law as a profession. However, he was deeply involved in India’s freedom struggle and wanted to stand by the country’s farmers and bring about significant changes in the development of rural India.
In fact, Singh’s contribution in shaping the biggest agrarian state of the country, Uttar Pradesh, is unparalleled. He had introduced several land reforms across the state.
His other notable contributions towards the growth of the country’s agrarian sector includes: Debt Redemption Bill 1939, Land Holding Act 1960 and Zamindari Abolition Act, 1950.
The Debt Redemption Bill of 1939 relieved thousands of farmers across the country of the debts they owed to moneylenders. This led to reduction in the number of suicides among Indian farmers and positively impacted the entire nation.
The Land Holding Act of 1960 came into effect when Singh was the Chief Minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh. This act ensured uniformity across India by finally ending the landholding rights of individuals, that had started with the Zamindari Abolition Act of 1950, when he was the Agricultural minister of the state.
Singh died in 1980 and has a memorial to his name in the Raj Ghat, New Delhi. It is known as the ‘Kisan Ghat.’